CURRENT AFFAIRS (21 DECEMBER 2024) 

1.Cultural Preservation through Digital Archives 

The preservation of cultural heritage has always been a cornerstone of India’s identity, especially with its rich repository of ancient manuscripts, texts, and inscriptions. Recognizing the need for preservation, the Ministry of Culture launched the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) in 2003, and its scope has grown significantly since then. As of December 2024, the ministry announced the digitalization of over 1.2 million manuscripts across languages like Sanskrit, Pali, Tamil, and Urdu. 

Significance of Digitalization 

• Safeguarding Heritage: India’s manuscripts are highly vulnerable to environmental factors, such as humidity, pests, and mishandling. Digitalization creates a backup for posterity. 

• Accessibility: Scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts worldwide can access these manuscripts, bridging gaps in academic studies and cultural appreciation. 

• Promotion of Regional Languages: Many of these manuscripts are in endangered languages, ensuring their survival and revival. 

• Cultural Diplomacy: Projects like these enhance India’s soft power by showcasing its intellectual and cultural achievements globally. 

Key Initiatives Under the Program 

• Collaboration with universities and libraries such as the Asiatic Society and the Banaras Hindu University. 

• AI-based transcription for complex scripts. 

• Open-access repositories for public engagement. 

Challenges 

• Translating and deciphering complex, handwritten texts. 

• Lack of technical expertise and high costs of preservation. 

• Balancing ownership rights, as many manuscripts are privately held. 

Case Study: Ancient Manuscripts 

The Siddhanta Shiromani, a seminal work in astronomy by Bhaskaracharya, was successfully digitalized this year. It exemplifies how ancient Indian knowledge can contribute to modern science. 

2. Severe Weather Patterns in Northern India

The winter of 2024 brought unprecedented cold waves across northern India, with cities like Shimla and Manali recording temperatures as low as -5°C. This phenomenon is linked to climate variability and requires urgent attention for mitigation and adaptation strategies. 

Impact on Agriculture 

• Wheat and Mustard: Wheat, being sensitive to extreme cold, has shown signs of frost damage in Punjab and Haryana. Mustard, another winter crop, faces stunted growth. 

• Horticulture: The apple industry in Himachal Pradesh is bracing for losses as prolonged frost affects flowering. 

• Small Farmers: Marginal farmers without access to irrigation systems or cold-tolerant seeds are the most vulnerable. 

Social and Economic Effects 

• Human Lives: Reports of deaths due to hypothermia and increased cases of respiratory illnesses in vulnerable populations. 

• Energy Demand: Surging demand for electricity and gas has led to power cuts in some areas, further exacerbating the crisis. 

Government Response 

The Ministry of Earth Sciences has enhanced weather forecasting capabilities. 

State governments in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand launched awareness campaigns on frost management. 

Global Linkages 

This extreme weather aligns with global climate patterns, including polar vortex disturbances. Scientists have called for more robust climate models to predict such anomalies. 

GS Paper 2: Governance, International Relations, and Social Justice 

3. India-France Defense Partnership

The strategic relationship between India and France has reached new heights with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-produce next-generation defense systems. This collaboration comes at a time when maritime and aerial security challenges are on the rise. 

Highlights of the MoU 

1. Naval Collaboration: The partnership focuses on jointly manufacturing stealth submarines and advanced frigates. 

1. Space and Cybersecurity: Agreements on developing secure satellite communication systems. 

1. Indigenous Manufacturing: Encouraging the “Make in India” initiative by setting up defense production units in India. 

Importance of the Partnership 

• Geopolitical Context: Countering China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea. 

• Strategic Autonomy: Reducing India’s dependence on traditional suppliers like Russia. 

• Technology Transfer: Strengthening India’s technological base for indigenous production. 

Challenges 

• Negotiating intellectual property rights. 

• Maintaining operational secrecy while fostering cooperation. 

Global Implications 

India-France cooperation serves as a model for balancing partnerships without succumbing to superpower pressures, fostering multipolarity in global defense. 

4. Judicial Reforms: AI in Legal Systems

India’s Supreme Court introduced an AI-based transcription service for real-time court hearings in 2024, marking a significant leap toward modernizing the judiciary. 

How AI Transcription Works 

• AI tools like Speech-to-Text (STT) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) enable real-time conversion of oral arguments into written text. 

• This text is then uploaded to a secure database for review by judges, lawyers, and litigants. 

Benefits 

1. Efficiency: Reduces the workload of court staff. 

1. Transparency: Creates a public record of proceedings. 

1. Accessibility: Beneficial for visually or hearing-impaired stakeholders. 

Challenges 

• Maintaining accuracy in transcription for regional accents and legal jargon. 

• Concerns about data security and privacy. 

Case Study: Global Practices 

Countries like Singapore and the UK already use AI for case management, setting benchmarks for India to follow. 

5. International Migrants Day 2024

Celebrated annually on December 18, International Migrants Day focuses on harnessing migration for inclusive development. This year, India gained prominence due to its large diaspora and remittance contributions. 

Key Highlights 

• India’s Position: India is the world’s largest recipient of remittances, with $100 billion inflows annually. 

• Migrant Workforce: Millions of Indian workers in the Gulf play a crucial role in regional economies. 

• Policy Initiatives: Programs like Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) offer insurance and welfare to overseas workers. 

Challenges for Migrants 

• Exploitation and unsafe working conditions in host countries. 

• Lack of social security mechanisms for returning migrants. 

Global Cooperation 

• India’s active participation in the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) ensures its migrant workforce rights and welfare. 

GS Paper 3: Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, Security, and Disaster Management 

6.RBI’s Digital Currency Trial Expansion 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded its pilot project for the Digital Rupee (CBDC – Central Bank Digital Currency) to Tier-3 cities, marking a significant step toward modernizing India’s financial ecosystem. 

Key Features of the Pilot 

– Scope:The Digital Rupee is being tested for both wholesale and retail purposes. 

– Adoption: Over 12 lakh transactions have been conducted, with participation from select public and private banks. 

– Benefits: Ensures faster settlements, reduced transaction costs, and eliminates dependency on physical cash. 

Impact on the Indian Economy 

1. Financial Inclusion: Digital Rupee can bring the unbanked population into the formal financial fold.
2. Transparency: Reduces risks of money laundering and fraud.
3. Efficiency: Reduces the need for intermediaries in financial transactions.

Challenges 

– Cybersecurity risks and the need for robust technological infrastructure. 

– Public awareness and trust in digital currencies. 

Global Context 

India joins countries like China (Digital Yuan) and the EU (Digital Euro) in advancing digital currency trials, showcasing its financial and technological ambitions. 

7. National Green Hydrogen Mission

The Government of India has allocated ₹20,000 crore under the National Green Hydrogen Mission to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production. 

Significance of Green Hydrogen 

– Produced through electrolysis using renewable energy, green hydrogen emits no greenhouse gases. 

– It is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels in sectors like energy, transportation, and heavy industries. 

Goals of the Mission 

1. Reduce Carbon Emissions: Targeting a 10% reduction by 2030.
2. Economic Growth: Expected to create 6 lakh jobs and attract investments worth ₹8 lakh crore.
3. Energy Independence: Reduce India’s import dependence on crude oil and natural gas.

Challenges 

– High production costs compared to grey hydrogen. 

– Need for infrastructure, including hydrogen storage and transportation. 

Case Study: Hydrogen Buses 

• Pilot projects involving hydrogen-powered buses have been launched in cities like Delhi and Bengaluru, showcasing potential urban applications. 

8. 8. SpaceX’s Starship Debuts in Asia

SpaceX’s Starship conducted its maiden launch from an Asian location in collaboration with India. This mission reflects growing international partnerships in the space domain. 

Details of the Launch 

– Starship, the world’s most powerful rocket, launched communication satellites for global connectivity. 

– Collaboration with ISRO focused on data-sharing agreements to enhance India’s satellite programs. 

Importance for India 

1. Strategic Partnerships: Strengthens ties with global space leaders like SpaceX.
2. Commercial Benefits: Positions India as a key player in satellite launches and space exploration.

Challenges 

– Balancing global collaborations while maintaining indigenous technological advancements. 

– Concerns over militarization of space. 

9. Kaziranga National Park Flood Mitigation Plan

Assam has implemented a flood mitigation strategy in the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its one-horned rhinoceroses. 

Flood Mitigation Measures 

– Elevated Highways: Constructed to allow safe animal migration during floods. 

– Artificial Highlands: Created as animal refuges during monsoon seasons. 

Impact 

– Reduced mortality of wildlife during annual floods. 

– Improved tourism and economic benefits for local communities. 

Challenges 

– Balancing ecological conservation with infrastructural development. 

– Ensuring community involvement in mitigation efforts. 

Global Relevance 

Kaziranga’s strategies can serve as a model for managing flood-prone ecosystems worldwide. 

GS Paper 4: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude 

10. 10. AI and Ethical Concerns

The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has raised ethical concerns, particularly in its misuse for creating deepfakes and spreading misinformation. 

Ethical Issues 

1. Misuse: AI-generated content can manipulate public opinion and erode trust.
2. Bias: AI algorithms often reflect societal biases, leading to discriminatory outcomes.
3. Privacy: Growing concerns over the collection and use of personal data.

Solutions 

– Enforce regulations to govern AI usage and ensure ethical compliance. 

– Encourage transparency in algorithm design and decision-making. 

Case Study 

In 2024, an AI-generated video manipulating election campaigns sparked debates on regulating deepfakes, highlighting the urgent need for ethical AI frameworks. 

11. 11. Case Study: Ethical Dilemmas in Bureaucracy

A recent case in a tribal district showcased the ethical dilemmas faced by bureaucrats. The district magistrate was tasked with implementing an eviction drive in areas encroached upon by tribals. 

Ethical Dilemma 

– Conflict: Upholding the law versus ensuring the welfare of marginalized communities. 

– Decision: The magistrate chose a participatory approach, engaging with the affected communities to find alternate housing solutions. 

Insights 

1. Balancing Act: Demonstrates the importance of ethical reasoning in decision-making.
2. Empathy: Highlighting the human aspect of governance.
3. 12. The Dilemma of Dronacharya

Ethical lessons from the Mahabharata were revisited, particularly the dilemmas faced by Dronacharya. This provides insights into duty, favoritism, and moral conflicts. 

Ethical Lessons 

1. Duty vs. Morality: Dronacharya’s loyalty to Hastinapura conflicted with his sense of fairness.
2. Impartiality: His favoritism towards Arjuna raised questions about ethical mentoring.

Relevance Today 

The story emphasizes the importance of fairness and moral courage, crucial traits for public servants. 

Prelims Facts and Updates 

• UNESCO Adds New Sites to Heritage List 

Three Indian sites, including the Satpura Biosphere Reserve, were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. 

• Global Hunger Report 2024 

India ranked 111 out of 125 countries, raising concerns about malnutrition and food security policies. 

• Nobel Peace Prize Winner 2024 

Announced recently: A women-led NGO from Sudan working on post-conflict reconciliation. 

• Indigenous Missile System Induction 

India successfully inducted the Agni-Prime missile into the armed forces, enhancing its strategic deterrence capability. 

Important Government Schemes and Programs 

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Updates 

The scheme recorded its highest claims settlement this year, benefiting over 1 crore farmers. 

• Startup India Seed Fund 

₹945 crores allocated to support early-stage startups in the green tech and health sectors.